Pronouncing the Names of the Gods in Hellenismos

PRONOUNCING THE NAMES OF THE GODS OF HELLENISMOS, THE ANCIENT GREEK RELIGION

HellenicGods.org

"By Jupiter (ed. Ζεύς), Hermogenes (ed. Ἑρμογένης), if we are endued with intellect, we shall confess that the most beautiful mode of conduct, on this occasion, is to acknowledge that we know nothing either concerning the Gods, or the names by which they denominate themselves: for it is evident that they call themselves by true appellations. But the second mode of rectitude consists, I think, in calling the Gods by those names which the law ordains us to invoke them by in prayer, whatever the names may be which they rejoice to hear; and that we should act thus, as knowing nothing more than this: for the method of invocation which the law appoints appears to me to be beautifully established. If you are willing, therefore, let us enter on this speculation, previously, as it were, declaring to the Gods that we speculate nothing concerning their divinities, as we do not think ourselves equal to such an undertaking; but that we direct our attention to the opinion entertained by those men who first fabricated their names: for this will be the means of avoiding their indignation." (ΠλάτωνΚρατύλος 400d-401a, trans. by Thomas Taylor, 1804.)

While the author of this website was in Greece in the fall of 2008, there was discussion of American students learning some ancient Greek. In particular, it was thought that at least some of the Orphic Hymns could be learned. In the midst of our conversation, I became quite interested in a God whom a teacher kept calling "Airamees." It took me some time to realize that he was actually correctly pronouncing "Hermes." In any case, the Greeks do not use the pronunciation which the universities in England, Germany, and America use (where they use some form of the Erasmian method). The Greeks pronounce the ancient words using what scholars call the Reuchlinian method, which is modern Greek. The below list reflects the Reuchlinian pronunciation of some of the more prominent deities of our religion.

For a more detailed discussion of the Reuchlinian method of pronunciation, with a listing of the alphabet and diphthongs: Pronunciation of Ancient Greek.

HellenicGods.org spells Greek words in a way which reflects the Greek pronunciation, utilizing a transliteration method unique to this website. Although our system has limits, the student can approximate correct pronunciation by simply looking at the transliterated word, with a few exceptions. This system is discussed at greater length on this page: Transliteration of Ancient Greek into English

PRONOUNCING THE NAMES OF THE GODS AND HEROES

Here follows a list of some of the most important deities in Hellenismos. From time to time, more names will be added. You can also check the Glossaryfor more names of Gods.

Dimítir (Demeter or Demetra; Gr. Δημήτηρ, ΔΗΜΗΤΗΡ) When enunciating the name Dimítir, the D (delta) is pronounced like the soft th in this, not like the hard th in theory: dee-MEE-teer, with the accent on the second syllable.

Diónysos - (Dionysus; Gr. Διόνυσος, ΔΙΟΝΥΣΟΣ) The D in Diónysos is pronounced like the th in thee (not like the th in thesis). Pronounced: dee-OH-nee-sohs.

Poseidóhn - (Poseidon; Gr. Ποσειδῶν, ΠΟΣΕΙΔΩΝ) Pronounced: poh-see-DOHN, accent on the last syllable; the d (delta) at the beginning of the last syllable is pronounced like a soft th as in this, not like the th in theory.

The logo to the left is the principal symbol of this website. It is called the CESS logo, i.e. the Children of the Earth and the Starry Sky. The Pætilía (Petelia; Gr. Πετηλία) and other golden tablets having this phrase are the inspiration for the symbol. The image represents this idea: Earth (divisible substance) and the Sky (continuous substance) are the two kozmogonic substances. The twelve stars represent the Natural Laws, the dominions of the Olympian Gods. In front of these symbols is the seven-stringed kithára (cithara; Gr. κιθάρα), the lyre of Apóllohn(Apollo; Gr. Ἀπόλλων). It (here) represents the bond between Gods and mortals and is representative that we are the children of Orphéfs (Orpheus; Gr. Ὀρφεύς).

PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the pages of this website, you will find fascinating stories about our Gods. These narratives are known as

, the traditional stories of the Gods and Heroes. While these tales are great mystical vehicles containing transcendent truth, they are symbolic and should not be taken literally. A literal reading will frequently yield an erroneous result. The meaning of the myths is concealed in code. To understand them requires a key. For instance, when a God kills someone, this usually means a transformation of the soul to a higher level. Similarly, sexual union with a God is a transformation.

SPELLING: HellenicGods.org uses the Reuchlinian method of pronouncing ancient Greek, the system preferred by scholars from Greece itself. An approach was developed to enable the student to easily approximate the Greek words. Consequently, the way we spell words is unique, as this method of transliteration is exclusive to this website. For more information, visit these three pages:

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